Nigeria: 143 companies bid for 50 oil and gas blocks in 2025

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has invited qualified companies to its highly anticipated commercial bidding conference scheduled for July 21, 2026.

These companies that have passed the transparent and rigorous process have been notified and are expected to physically attend the commercial bidding conference to be held at the Conference Centre, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. Participation is strictly by invitation.

In a statement, Eniola Akinkuotu, Head of Media and Corporate Communications, NUPRC, said there are 50 oil and gas blocks on offer across different lands.

Onshore Niger Delta (16), Shallow Water Niger Delta (18), Deep Offshore Niger Delta (1), Onshore Benin Basin (3), Onshore Anambra Basin (4), Onshore Chad Basin (4) and Benue Basin (4).

In line with the guidelines, elements of the bid parameters include: the signing bonus, commitment to the work program and commitment to performance safety which culminate in a weighted technical and commercial score that will determine the winning bid.

The 2025 licensing cycle was first announced on 11 November 2025 and widely publicized in line with the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021.

The bidding portal was launched on December 1, 2025 for registration and a pre-bidding conference followed on January 14, 2026 at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.

The pre-bid conference was an opportunity to educate registered bidders and other interested members of the public on the guidelines of the exercise.

Registration and submission for pre-qualification assessment closed on 27 February 2026 while the pre-qualification phase ended on 16 March 2026

In total, 286 companies submitted prequalification applications, of which 196 prequalified to participate in the technical and commercial offer phase. As a result, 143 companies submitted 200 offers.

These 143 companies are expected to participate in the commercial bidding conference on July 21, 2026.